I'm trying to decide between the Ruggard Thunderhead $129 on sale and the Lowepro Flipside 500 AW II $179 not on sale (unfortunately)

the box is about 19 inches

Ruggard - 20.5 H x 13 W x 9.25 D inches

Lowepro - 18.9 H x 11.8 W x 7.5 D inches

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this site claims to list by name various air lines carry on size restrictions:

" There is no one standard carry on luggage size or international carry on size. Each airline comes up with their own restrictions on size, weight, and number of items allowed in the cabin. In order to help you figure out the right dimensions for your carry-on bag, we’ve compiled the carry-on restrictions and limitations for more than 150 airlines right here in the only carry-on size chart you’ll ever need. "

it is a good back pack but I have a problem with the chest strap, it keeps popping off

the chest strap is secured by friction only clamped onto a narrow covered tube

my other problem with the 400 AW is that it is very tight when I load

two Pentax DSLR camera bodies plus battery grips and

40mm XS 2.8

D FA 150-450mm

D FA *70-200mm

D FA 100mm macro 2.8 (not WR)

Kino Precision Japan Kiron 28mm 2.0 P/KA

DA 16-85mm + DA 1.4 rear converter

so I am trying to see if the larger Ruggard or the larger 500 AW II is worth the cost to upgrade

The 500 may be a good choice for you, being that it is larger like you said. You are fitting a significant load per the equipment list you mentioned. I have not had or used the 500 or the Ruggard, so I cannot tell you about them. Good luck with your choice.

The 500 may be a good choice for you, being that it is larger like you said. You are fitting a significant load per the equipment list you mentioned. I have not had or used the 500 or the Ruggard, so I cannot tell you about them. Good luck with your choice.

Have a nice Christmas!!

not my usual load but one intended for a whale watching trip and in the future a return trip to Tanzania